OKLAHOMA CITY — Rep. Kevin Norwood, R-Owasso, secured House passage of Senate Bill 1369, a measure to ensure the continuation and long-term stability of Oklahoma’s 988 Mental Health Lifeline.
Senate Bill 1369 would create the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund, which will support staffing, operations and the long-term sustainability of the 988 system. The state would be required to implement funding strategies to ensure the system is adequately supported, including maximizing federal funding opportunities and verifying reimbursements to behavioral health providers. The House passed the measure with a vote of 85-7.
“Without legislative action, current funding for Oklahoma’s 988 system is set to expire soon,” Norwood said. “Since the launch of this critical three-digit number, thousands of Oklahomans have relied on this service, and we have a responsibility to ensure it remains available to those who need it most.”
The measure also designates the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services as the primary oversight entity for suicide prevention and crisis service activities, including coordination with designated 988 Lifeline crisis centers.
Norwood said the legislation builds on earlier work to ensure continuity of care and access to crisis services across the state.
“This measure creates a dedicated, sustainable funding structure and establishes clear oversight so we can provide a stable, coordinated response for individuals in crisis, both now and in the future,” Norwood said.
To support the implementation of the measure, the Legislature passed Senate Bill 1164, which provides $5.9 million in funding for the 988 Lifeline Revolving Fund. That measure was signed into law by Gov. Kevin Stitt on April 21.
The bill, authored in the Senate by Sen. Brenda Stanley, R-Midwest City, now advances to the governor’s desk for final approval.